CHAPTER FOUR.
(ANYA'S POV)
Soon, it was a week since the death of the Alpha. As I walk to my room on a particular morning, I can't help but keep a frown on my face. I am coming back from a meeting with the council. They had suggested I organize the party for my stepsons for their mating ceremony.
I barely take a turn down the corridor, when I bump into a sturdy chest. "Watch where..." The words stuck in my throat when I locked eyes with Damian. Speak of the devil.
"You should watch where you're going, Mother." He says with a sneer, emphasizing the 'Mother.'
I feel that familiar anger boil within me, since the arrival of the twins at the pack. "That should be my line, don't you think.?" I retort, with narrowed eyes.
"Is it? I had no idea." He says calmly, with a grin, making my heart beat fast. How can someone look so otherworldly attractive?
"Heading somewhere?" He asks.
"It's your coming-of-age party tonight. Mating ceremony." I say.
"And that's where you are heading?" He says sarcastically.
I growl lowly, keeping myself from saying something harsh. "Where I'm headed to, is none of your business," I say, and make to leave. I've barely taken a few steps when I feel his strong grip on my waist.
"Are you out..." I begin saying when he cuts me off.
Kindly advise, Luna. If we're going to cohabitate in this pack, I suggest you don't provoke me." And with that, he lets me go.
I watch him leave, my chest heaving. I can feel the anger boiling over so hard now, and I take a deep breath.
"Bastard," I mutter and smoothen my back dress. I growl lowly, recalling the awkward scene in my room a few days back. If there is anything I hate at the moment, it is the sight of them. They look so much like their father, making me want to hurt them to no end.
'Mating ceremony hunh? Let's see how it goes.' I smirk and retire to my room.
There is a knock at the door minutes later. "Come in," I muttered, placing my hand comfortably on the table, and leaning on the large chair I was sitting on.
The Beta of the pack walks into the room and gives a low bow.
"Luna," he says, remaining in his position.
"Put out a word. All eligible unmated females in the pack should be present at the mating ceremony tonight." I ordered.
He bows, and leaves, with a, "Noted Luna."
Hearing the door shut close, makes a smirk spread on my face. "Let's see how it turns out, Damian, and Daemon."
...
I look at the sky, from my window, placing my hand on its sills. It is minutes from hanging fully and shining its bright light.
I hum lowly to myself. The Alpha is dead, and it is a perfect opportunity for me to get away from the pack. I've avenged my late parents and all those annihilated for just cause. A sad feeling engulfs me, and a tear slips down my cheek.
I take a deep breath and turn to head downstairs for the mating ceremony. The large enclosure behind the castle is packed with people once I head downstairs. I take another glance at my dress and smile cynically. I purposely selected a plain outfit, hoping to anger the twins.
"It is nice to have you here, family," I begin with a clear voice. Everyone gathered all turns, focusing their attention on me. I take a deep breath and continue.
"As we all know, we are all gathered for the mating ceremony of our late Alpha's sons. They'll hopefully find their mates tonight." I say, and step down, joining them on the ground floor.
I spot the twins right then, and I can't help but scoff. They are dressed in attractive attires, that annoying proud looks on their faces. Damian turns at that moment, locking gazes with me. I turn away, my face turning crimson.
"We may begin," I yell loudly.
We all move back, as the twins head behind a huge bouldering tree. A loud howl fills the arena, and I shudder, suddenly feeling submissive.
Two large black and grey wolves emerge moments later. Seeing their majestic stance, made me blink.
"Beautiful," I can't help but mutter. Catching myself, before my thoughts go haywire, I turn away. For whatever reason, I don't want to see them choose their mate.
However, moments later, the murmurs from the crowd, make me turn back towards the twin wolves. There they are, still standing... without anyone. I blink and look around. On the faces of everyone present is an awkward expression.
I smirk. "All that's well, ends well." They didn't find a mate after all.
I take one more sip of my wine, swirling it around lazily. I wonder why I'm drinking though. As a rule, I don't drink once it is nightfall. The image of the twin wolves flash through my mind at that moment, and I grip the glass base tightly. Ignoring the burning sensation at the back of my throat, I take another huge gulp.
I shake my head violently as if it'd be enough to push the thoughts of the twins away.
"I wonder what you're doing out here, even after the guests' departure." I hear a voice say, and footsteps follow. I know who it is without turning.
"For people who weren't able to find their mates tonight, isn't your behavior too calm, Damian? I can call you Damian, right? Of course, I'm your stepmother after all." I sneer.
I hear them halt, making a lazy smile spread on my lips.
"What did you say?" Daemon whisperers.
"Exactly what you heard, dear stepson," I smirk, keeping my irritation at bay.
"I'd advise you shouldn't call us that," Damian said, narrowing his eyes.
I chuckle and get up slowly. "I shouldn't? But isn't that what you guys are? My stepsons?" I shrug, with a hiccup.
The twins are at my front in seconds, Damian gripping my wrist, and throwing off the glass. I gasp. "What do you think you're doing?" I hiss.
I ignore the spark which courses through my body at his touch. I resist staring into his mesmerizing eyes, choosing instead to land my gaze on the loosened buttons on his shirt.
"Call me your stepson one more time." He growls lowly. I gulp nervously, feeling a sudden pool of desire in the pit of my stomach. My body feels scorched by his hot gaze. It feels like molten on my skin.
"You're hurting me, Damian," I whisper and gasp when I feel the hotness of Daemon's body behind me.
"Not until you call us your stepsons." He says.
I wonder how I am supposed to say that, when all I want to do is dive into their embrace at the same time. Why haven't I noticed how intoxicating their scents are?
I look past Damian's hair, my position granting me access to see the Moon turning a certain shade of color at that moment. I frown slightly. Why's the Moon turning dark red? Doesn't that happen only when...
Panicking, I look into Damian's eyes. And against my wish, we all utter the words, "Mate."
Using my last bit of strength, I push Damian away. "Get away from me. What do you think you're doing?" I must have repeated that single line a thousand times already. He loses his footing and falls to the ground.
"We should be asking you that, Anya. What are you doing?" Daemon asks with a slight frown, crossing his arms. Damian helps himself up and straightens.
"Don't try to deny your feelings. You'd only hurt yourself." He says.
The words ring through my head. 'Don't deny your feelings.' I narrow my eyes. Perhaps I wouldn't have if the situation was more favorable than it currently is.
These guys are sons of my enemy. The one who killed my parents, and abducted me. I am not bringing myself to be their mate.
"Never, I'll never be your mate. None of you will be my mate." I spit angrily.
Seeing the look that crosses their faces, I continue harshly. "Reject me this instant." The words were harsher than anything I've ever uttered.
The wind howls wildly at that moment, making me hug myself. The Moon is completely dark red at this moment.
"That'd never happen, Anya," Damian says with a smirk.
At his words, all traces of calmness vanish from my demeanor. I take a few steps toward them and stop right at their front. However, my move was a mistake.
Their scent is stronger this time, making me inhale sharply. What is happening to my body? My gaze lands on Damian's plump luscious lips, and I gulp. The thought barely forms, when I feel myself in Damian's arms.
"I told you not to deny your feelings, Anya." He says roughly and slams his lips on mine.